Old pals act
WHUFC.com
James Collins was happy to be reunited with old friend Danny Gabbidon on
Wednesday
16.07.2009
James Collins was delighted to be back alongside old friend and fellow West
Ham United defender in Wednesday's 1-1 pre-season draw with SVL Flavia Solva
in Austria.
The 25-year-old has known Gabbidon since the pair's days at Cardiff City,
joining West Ham together on the same day as his Wales international
team-mate in 2005. The duo have also acted as best man at each other's
weddings. On Wednesday, the pair were reunited at the heart of the Hammers
defence for the first time since January 2008, appearing as half-time
substitutes in the first game of the club's pre-season tour. Collins, who
took over as captain at the break, was happy to see a familiar face lining
up with him, especially considering the fact that Gabbidon has only recently
returned to action after 18 months out injured. "We had a little mention
before the game as we realised it had been a while since we played
together," said Collins. "After playing for so long together every week for
almost four years at Cardiff is was kind of strange to have such a long
break. "We have got that certain thing where we seem to click and it's good
fun playing with him. To have him back and playing strongly is great for
himself and for West Ham, so it's a bonus for everyone."
Collins was also content with the team's performance against their Austrian
Third Division opponents, pointing out that the players' fitness levels were
much more important than results at this early stage. "It was alright," he
said. "We are still getting our fitness. It is hard in the heat but getting
45 minutes under your belt is always good. "I don't think the result is the
priority in any of these games. Certainly for myself and some of the others
getting through the pre-season fit and strong is the priority to get ready
for the first game of the season."
The Wales international echoed the sentiments of his colleagues by saying
that although their schedule in Austria is tough, with temperatures topping
90 degrees, every player knows the hard work is vital with the start of the
Barclays Premier League campaign under a month away. "The schedule has been
great. Normally you're running around for hours a day, but Mister
[Gianfranco Zola], [Steve] Clarkey, Kevin Keen and Alex Dyer have done a
great job as we've been playing football and got our running out of it that
way. It's been fun and we're looking forward to the next game. "The weather
is alright as luckily I've just come back from holiday. It is hot. All of
the boys are struggling a bit as we're training, but we've just got to deal
with it. I'm sure we'll feel the benefit the other side of it."
UEFA Cup finalists Werder Bremen are the next obstacle in West Ham's way as
the calibre of opposition steps up a gear in Bad Waltersdorf on Saturday
evening. "It will be a tougher game physically and technically, so we're all
looking forward to it," added Collins. "The weather is meant to cool down so
we can put a proper workout in."
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Reserves start against champions
WHUFC.com
West Ham United begin their Barclays Premier Reserve League South campaign
at Aston Villa
16.07.2009
West Ham United will kick-off their Barclays Premier Reserve League South
campaign with a testing trip to reigning champions Aston Villa. The Hammers,
managed by Alex Dyer, will travel to the Midlands to face a Villa team that
also lifted the play-off trophy after defeating North division title winners
Sunderland in May. Dyer will be eager to build on a promising first season
in charge of West Ham's second string in 2008/09. The former Hull City and
Charlton Athletic player guided the Hammers to fifth in the table last term,
while also overseeing the emergence of the likes of Junior Stanislas, Josh
Payne and Bondz N'Gala. This time around, new professionals Matt Fry, Tony
Brookes, Ollie Lee, Daniel Kearns and Anthony Edgar will all be hoping to
impress, as will new signing Jack Lampe.
Following their visit to Villa on Tuesday 1 September, West Ham host
newly-promoted pair Birmingham City a week later and Wolverhampton Wanderers
on Tuesday 15 September. The opening month of the season is rounded out with
a trip to the south coast to face Portsmouth on Tuesday 29 September.
Further away fixtures at Chelsea and Fulham follow before the Hammers
complete the first round of games with home matches against Arsenal and
Stoke City. Tottenham Hotspur, who finished second in the table last season,
will not be fielding a side in the Barclays Premier Reserve League in
2009/10, reducing the number of clubs competing to nine. All home fixtures
will be played at Bishop's Stortford FC's Woodside Park stadium unless
stated on whufc.com Should West Ham win the South division, they will take
on the North division champions in a play-off on Wednesday 5 May 2010. The
reserves will also play a number of pre-season friendlies before the
competitive action begins. A West Ham United XI travel to Blue Square
Premier Cambridge United on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, before making the short
journey to Blue Square South outfit Thurrock on Friday 24 July, with
kick-off at 7.45pm.
The reserves complete their pre-season commitments with a trip to Ryman
League Premier Division side Kingstonian on Friday 31 July, kick-off 7.45pm.
2009/10 Reserves fixtures
Barclays Premier Reserve League - Southern Division
Tuesday 1 September - Aston Villa (A)
Tuesday 8 September - Birmingham City (H)
Tuesday 15 September - Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
Tuesday 29 September - Portsmouth (A)
Monday 19 October - Chelsea (A)
Tuesday 3 November - Fulham (A)
Tuesday 10 November - Arsenal (H)
Tuesday 24 November - Stoke City (H)
Monday 30 November - Birmingham City (A)
Tuesday 5 January - Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Tuesday 19 January - Portsmouth (H)
Tuesday 23 February - Chelsea (H)
Tuesday 9 March - Fulham (H)
Monday 22 March - Arsenal (A)
Tuesday 30 March - Aston Villa (H)
Tuesday 6 April - Stoke City (A)
Wednesday 5 May - Play-off
All home matches played at Bishop's Stortford FC unless stated.
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Zola on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola told WHUTV he was happy with his side's effort in the first
game of their Austrian tour
16.07.2009
In an exclusive interview with WHUTV, Gianfranco Zola explained that
although he was pleased with West Ham United's performance in the first
match of their pre-season tour in Austria, the hard work is still yet to
come. The Hammers shared the spoils with opponents Flavia Solva in a 1-1
draw, thanks to a penalty from Jack Collison which cancelled out Mario
Ploschnik's opener. Although the game was not of a particularly high tempo,
the West Ham manager was delighted with the efforts of his side, considering
the hot and humid conditions and high altitude. "It wasn't a great game but
we have been working very hard," Zola told WHUTV. "Even in the morning
[before the game] we trained very hard and with the temperature so high, it
doesn't make it easy. "But that is what we want, tough conditions and
matches, we want the players to play in this, because they can only get
better for it."
The West Ham United manager echoed Steve Clarke's sentiments before the
game, emphasising that match results on the tour are not the first priority.
"From these matches, I can get a lot of indications from the players, their
match fitness, how they apply themselves and how they cope in different
conditions and situations, so these games are vital to what we want to do
for the season in front of us."
Among the players getting another 45 minutes under their belt was defender
Danny Gabbidon, who was paired up with his Wales international team-mate
James Collins for the first time in over 18 months. "Danny is doing very
well and I am so pleased to see him on the pitch. Although he was injured
when I arrived at the club, I heard so many positive things about him from
everyone and so could not wait to see this for myself. "It is great to have
him in the team again and I am especially pleased for him."
The hard-working performances of young players Ollie Lee, Anthony Edgar and
Georg Grasser in midfield caught the manager's eye, as did the solid display
from youngsters Jordan Spence and Bondz N'Gala, who paired up in the heart
of the West Ham defence in the first half. "You want to have a look at their
characters and attitudes as well as how they play. This is so we can help
them improve in every way possible and keep them progressing. "I can see
what they can do, get to know them better, where they can play and for me
that is very important."
Also impressing the manager is the strong spirit among the squad, who have
all settled in well to their surroundings in Bad Radkersburg since arriving
on Monday afternoon.
"It is good, all the team are working well together," he said. "This is only
the beginning, there is much hard work yet to be done, but the atmosphere is
excellent and they are all showing me how well they want to do."
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Eidur weighs up options
Former Blues star considers England return
Last updated: 16th July 2009
SSN
Eidur Gudjohnsen's agent and father has admitted the player is likely to
leave Barcelona this summer. Reports in Spain have suggested Barcelona are
willing to part with former Chelsea star Gudjohnsen for a fee of £5million.
A move back to England has been mooted with West Ham believed to be leading
the chase for Gudjohnsen, after Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola refused to rule
out a move for his former Chelsea team-mate. Gudjohsen Snr, Arnor, admits
there is a lot of interest in Eidur and that he expects talks with
interested clubs next week about a possible move. "It is a real possibility
that Eidur could leave Barcelona this summer," Gudjohnsen told
skysports.com.
"Barcelona have not told Eidur yet, but I have seen the reports that he
could go. "There is interest from a number of clubs in Eidur and I expect
serious discussions with clubs next week. "Eidur would be open to a move
back to England as he knows everything in England and it would seriously
appeal to him."
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West Ham Utd receive Daniel Gabbidon boost
Daniel Gabbidon gave West Ham a boost when he played another 45 minutes in a
1-1 draw against the Austrians of SVL Flavia Solva on Wednesday evening.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 10:42AM BST 16 Jul 2009
There was also the welcome sight before the game of Scott Parker undergoing
a full training session. Gabbidon was missing for 18 months but has now
completed three 45-minute periods without any obvious reaction. Manchester
City striker Craig Bellamy in Wales World Cup qualifying squad despite
injuryThe Wales international played in a game to mark the opening of the
new Cardiff City Stadium and, at the weekend, played at Grays. On Wednesday
the defender came on at half time as West Ham stole a draw thanks to a Jack
Collison penalty. West Ham now switch their attentions to Germany when they
face Uefa Cup finalists Werder Bremen in Bad Waltersdorf when Luis Jimenez,
the Chilean international striker, is set to make his debut for the club
after arriving on a year's loan from Inter Milan. Jimenez has already
impressed in training and Steve Clarke, the West Ham coach, believes he
could fit in well. Clarke said: "We know he is a quality player and he was
brought into this squad to improve the quality.
"It's early days but he's working well and he seems to have fitted into the
group well, which is good. "He needs to improve his English a bit but I'm
sure over a period of time that will happen."
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Gianfranco Zola in a hurry to sign Mancini
This Is London
16.07.09 Look here too
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is anxious to sign Brazilian forward Mancini.
As it could be more than two months until Dean Ashton is fully fit, Zola is
focusing on his bid to get the Inter Milan man. Zola said: "He is one of the
players who can improve us in the last 30 metres of the pitch." Jack
Collison scored a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Flavia Solva in Austria.
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Anxious West Ham boss Zola eager to sign Mancini following fresh doubts over
Dean Ashton
By Matt Lawless
Last updated at 4:51 PM on 16th July 2009
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola has admitted he is anxious to sign Inter Milan's Brazilian
attacker Mancini following fresh doubts over Dean Ashton's long-term Upton
Park future. The England striker, sidelined since last September after
damaging his ankle during the West Ham manager's first training session, is
missing from the club's pre-season tour to Austria. The 25-year-old's
unexplained absence has fuelled claims that he is set to depart before the
start of the new season as Scott Parker and Valon Behrami - both injured -
linked-up with the squad after Zola stressed the importance of team-bonding.
The Barclays Premier League outfit are understood to have agreed a loan deal
with Inter for the 28-year-old but are waiting on the player to decide his
future, after the South American star stalled on a move to east London in
light of other interest. But Zola remains hopeful of striking a deal and
speaking after Wednesday night's 1-1 draw with Austrian third-division
outfit SLV Flavia Solva, he said: 'He (Mancini) is one of the players who
can improve us in the last 30 metres of the pitch.'
The Italian has also been linked with a move for former Chelsea colleague
Eidur Gudjohnsen who is on the verge of quitting Barcelona this summer. The
Iceland skipper's according father and agent Arnor issued a 'come and get me
plea', announcing his son would welcome a Premier League return. He said:
'There is interest from a number of clubs in Eidur and I expect serious
discussions with clubs next week. 'Eidur would be open to a move back to
England as he knows everything in England and it would seriously appeal to
him.' One potential stumbling block for the Hammers, however, is the
£5million fee that the European champions would reportedly command. Although
Ashton's mooted departure, with Stoke City leading the chase for the
£8m-rated hitman, would free up necessary funds.
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Gianfranco Zola Anxious To Bring Inter's Mancini to West Ham United - Report
The Hammers boss wants to bring the Brazilian to the Boleyn Ground, as
another striker looks set to depart from east London...
16 Jul 2009 19:45:16
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola is reportedly keen to add Inter's
Brazilian striker Mancini to the ranks of his squad, as it begins to look
increasingly likely that the club's current target man, Dean Ashton, will
depart before the forthcoming campaign kicks off next month.
Ashton, injured in Zola's first training session as Hammers manager, is not
with the club on their pre-season tour of Austria, despite the fact that
other players who are recovering from long-term injury, such as Scott Parker
and Valon Behrami, are present.
The 25-year-old has been linked with Stoke City, and The Daily Mail reports
that the Irons' technical directo, Gianluca Nani, is in Milan trying to
broker a deal to bring Mancini (full name Alessandro Faiolhe Amantino) in as
soon as possible.
West Ham are understood to have agreed a long-term loan deal with the
Italian club for the 28-year-old Brazilian, but it is now down to the
ex-Roma player himself, apparently, to decide whether or not a move to the
Premier League appeals.
Zack Wislon, Goal.com
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Hartson still in critical condition
TeamTalk
Testicular cancer-stricken former footballer John Hartson has received a
message of support from Tour de France star Lance Armstrong. Writing on his
Twitter site, Armstrong, who survived the disease himself, wrote: "My
thoughts go out to John Hartson. Livestrong, John! "We're pulling for you!
Folks, hold him in your thoughts and prayers please."
It was revealed earlier this week that 34-year-old Hartson was diagnosed
with testicular cancer, which had spread to his brain. He remains in a
critical but stable condition after undergoing emergency neurosurgery to
relieve pressure on his brain, a spokesman for Morriston hospital in
Hartson's home town of Swansea said today. Doctors at the hospital
discovered the disease in his lungs as well. He is now receiving
round-the-clock care following the emergency procedure. Hartson's family
said in a statement on Wednesday: "His partner Sarah, mum, dad, three
children, brother, two sisters and very close friends are all continuing to
support John in any way we can."
The former Wales, Celtic, Arsenal and West Ham striker attended Swansea's
Singleton Hospital on Friday with symptoms of testicular cancer. Tests were
then carried out to establish a full picture of his diagnosis. He was
transferred to the larger Morriston hospital on Tuesday evening when his
condition worsened. Dr Gianfilippo Bertelli, a consultant medical
oncologist, said earlier this week that a course of radiotherapy and
chemotherapy would be started as soon as possible and that he could foresee
many months of treatment. The hospital said this morning Hartson's condition
remained unchanged.
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Chelsea, West Ham target Taylor only thinking of Newcastle stay
17.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Steven Taylor has indicated he's ready to stick it out at Newcastle United.
Taylor has been linked with Chelsea and West Ham, but told the Evening
Chronicle: "There are a lot of young boys in the squad, and they've been
getting a lot of help off the senior lads. "If we're going to get back up,
we have to do it. "The good thing about it is that we've stuck together."
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Stoke target Ashton missing from West Ham camp
17.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Dean Ashton's future is up in the air at West Ham United. The Daily Mail
says the England striker, sidelined since last September after damaging his
ankle during the West Ham manager's first training session, is missing from
the club's pre-season tour to Austria. The 25-year-old's unexplained absence
has fuelled claims that he is set to depart before the start of the new
season as Scott Parker and Valon Behrami - both injured - linked-up with the
squad after Gianfranco Zola stressed the importance of team-bonding. Ashton
has been linked with a return to Stoke City.
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West Ham alerted as Dad says Gudjohnsen wants England return
17.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is keen on a return to England. The
Iceland skipper's according father and agent Arnor issued a "come and get me
plea", announcing his son would welcome a Premier League return, where West
Ham are particularly keen. He said: "There is interest from a number of
clubs in Eidur and I expect serious discussions with clubs next week. "Eidur
would be open to a move back to England as he knows everything in England
and it would seriously appeal to him." One potential stumbling block for the
Hammers, however, is the £5million fee that the European champions would
reportedly command.
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West Ham know price for Barcelona striker Gudjohnsen
16.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have been told they can sign Barcelona striker Eidur
Gudjohnsen for £5 million. The Daily Star says Gudjohnsen is keen on a move
back to the Premier League and the striker is happy to hook up with his
former Chelsea team-mate and current Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. There has
already been contact between Zola and Barca's sporting director Txiki
Begiristain. The £5m asking price is within West Ham's reach and the deal
should be completed over the weekend.
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West Ham boss Zola admits he wants Mancini deal closed
16.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has confirmed they're intensifying
talks for Inter Milan winger Amantino Mancini. As it could be more than two
months until Dean Ashton is fully fit, Zola is focusing on his bid to get
the Inter Milan man. Zola said: "He is one of the players who can improve us
in the last 30 metres of the pitch."
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